On behalf of the NSW Labor Party, I congratulate the Republic of India on the 75th
Anniversary of its Independence.

The rise of a free and democratic India is one of the great events of the 20th Century.
It is remarkable not just for what was achieved, but how it was achieved.

In the 1940s – a decade of global conflict and bloodshed – India became its own nation
through peaceful protest and civil disobedience, led by individuals whose belief in their
cause never wavered.

Today, the Republic of India is an economic powerhouse sitting amongst the largest and
most influential of nations. It is the world’s fifth largest economy and on track to become the
third.

In the last seventy-five years the population has grown from 340 million to 1.2 billion, while
the level of literacy has soared from 12 to 78 per cent – a remarkable achievement and
investment in the education its people.

India has produced outstanding individuals in every field of human endeavour, from
acclaimed artists and authors to revered sportspeople.

And India is both the birthplace and epicentre of many great spiritual traditions – Hinduism,
Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism.

Today, the Indian community is among Australia’s most vibrant and industrious.
Many Australian Indian organisations have been at the forefront of the response to both the
bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Once we emerge from the health crisis, the Australian Indian community will have a critical
role to play in our recovery, as a bridge to the economic opportunities and partnerships
created by India’s continued economic growth.

With the pandemic ongoing, the Australian Indian community will not be gathering together
at various ‘Melas’. This year’s celebration will be a low-key affair with many families confined
to their homes.

So, I will join with my Indian friends in spirit as we celebrate the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of
India’s Independence.

And I look forward to being able to celebrate the occasion together in person next year.
Yours sincerely